Pneumatic crossbar device

ABSTRACT

A pneumatic crossbar device includes a plurality of flexible inflatable tubes positioned on two levels with the tubes in each level being spaced apart and parallel to one another and with the tubes of each level lying at right angles to and adjacent the tubes of the other level. Each tube of the crossbar device is sealed at one end and the other end is connected to an individually operated valve for controlling the supply of air pressure to the tube. Each tube may be individually inflated or deflated by actuating the valve connected thereto, thereby presenting a matrix of crossover points which may be used to actuate switches, operate valves, or apply pressure at selected intersections of the tubes. Three different cross-sectional dimensions may be obtained at each intersection by selectively deflating both tubes, inflating one tube and deflating the other tube, or by inflating both tubes.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Paul A. Klann P.0. Box 2398,Waynesboro, Va. 22980 [21] Appl. No. 37,242 [22] Filed May 14, 1970 [45]Patented Aug. 17, 1971 [54] PNEUMATIC CROSSBAR DEVICE 6 Claims, 18Drawing Figs. I 52 us. Cl .J. 84/331, 84/335, 84/342, 137/594, 137/608,200/83 B, 235/201 R, 251/5 [51] lnt.Cl Gl0b l/00, HOlh 35/40, F161 55/14[50] Field of Search .Q 84/331- [56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 3,468,342 9/1969 Craft 25 H5 X 3,521,670 7/1970 Johnston 251/6 X3,529,106 9/1970 Little 200/83 B OTHER REFERENCES IBM TechnicalDisclosure Bulletin, Vol. 6, No. 10, March 1964, p. 15.

Primary ExaminerRichard B. Wilkinson Assistant ExaminerJohn F. GonzalesAttorneySughrue, Rothwell, Mion, Zinn & Macpeak ABSTRACT: A pneumaticcrossbar device includes a plurality of flexible inflatable tubespositioned on two levels with the tubes in each level being spaced apartand parallel to one another and with the tubes of each level lying atright angles to and' adjacent the tubes of the other level. Each tube ofthe crossbar device is sealed at one end and the other end is connectedto an individually operated valve for controlling the supply of airpressure to the tube. Each tube may be individually inflated or deflatedby actuating the valve connected thereto, thereby presenting a matrix ofcrossover points which may be used to actuate switches, operate valves,or apply pressure at selected intersections of the tubes. Threedifferent cross-sectional dimensions may be obtained at eachintersection by selectively deflating both tubes, inflating one tube anddeflating the other tube, or by inflating both tubes.

. PATENTED Ave] 71971 I SHEET 2 OF 2 FIG4A F IG4E F l(5.4D

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7 l rr FIGBA 4 M m HA m mmv a M s PNEUMATIC CROSSBAR DEVICE 1. Field ofthe Invention This invention pertains broadly to a pneumatic crossbardevice providing a matrix of control points adapted for manual orprogrammed operation.

More specifically, the pneumatic crossbar device may be applied to themusic field for use in pneumatically operated organs, in which theintersections of the crossbar matrix are positioned at each opening of apressurized air chamber to control the flow of air to the individualpipes of the organ.

The pneumatic crossbar device may also be used in the area of machinecontrol, wherein the individual valves may be adapted for programmedcontrol and a multiposition switch may be located at each intersectionof the-tubes for selective actuation by a predetermined inflation anddeflation of preselected tubes.

The pneumatic crossbar device may also find use in the therapeutic fieldas a support for applying pressure at selected points of the humananatomy either in the static mode or according to a predeterminedsequence.

2. Description of the Prior Art In the prior artit is known to utilize aplurality of tubes which are positioned parallel to each other and whichmay be inflated in a predetermined sequence by operating the controlvalves. These devices are used primarily in the therapeutic field or areadapted to be used in air mattress structures for applying pressure to apredetermined part of the human body. With the prior art devices it isimpossible to obtain selective point control by individually controllingthe inflation of the individual parallel tubes. In the field ofpneumatically operated musical organs, it is known to utilize a singleinflatable tube for controlling each opening in the air chest of apneumatically operated organ, however, the use of a pneumaticallyoperated tubular crossbar matrix has not been used previously.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION limited to this specific application, but maybe used inany application which requires a plurality of signals to beobtained from a programmed or selectively operable matrix structure.

The present invention provides a simple, inexpensive matrix structurewhich provides a plurality of signals which may be utilized'directly or.indirectly. The. present inventionprovidesa matrix system which isquick, reliable and economical in operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A-2D are cross-sectional views taken at an intersection of thetubes in FIG. 1 showingthe various cross-sectional dimensions obtainedby selective inflation of the tubes.

FIG. 3 shows one example of a typical valve which may be usedto controlthe inflation of anindividualtube.

FIGS. 4A-4E- show the subject invention in a typical installation in apneumatically operated organ and the variouspositions of the tubesforcontrolling the flow of air therein.

FIG. 5' shows an. application of a spring for assisting the deflation ofthe tubesofthe'subject invention.

FIG. 6 shows one. specific means for. retaining the tubeson the rigidsupport ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a valve means used in conjunction with anintersection of the tubes.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of a valve means in conjunction withan intersection of the tubes.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a modified embodiment of the tube construction. s

FIG. 10 shows an example of'the use of the subject invention to actuatea typical multipositioned switch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apneumatic crossbar device for selectively obtaining variouscross-sectional dimensions at the intersections of selected tubes inorder to obtain a matrix-type control means. The preferred embodiment ofthe invention is shown as used in a pneumatically operated organ controlsystem, but may be readily applied to other areas requiring a matrixcontrol.

In the preferred embodiment as shown in the plan view of FIG. 1, aplurality of flexible inflatable tubes 1, constructed from any suitablematerial such as plastic, rubber or the like, are positioned parallel toone another in a spaced-apart relationship in a common plane. A secondset of flexible, inflatable tubes 2 are positioned parallel to oneanother and located in a second common plane adjacent and parallel totubes 1. As seen in FIG. 1, tubes 2 are positioned at right angles tothe tubes 1. The tubes 1 and 2 are constructed in such a manner thatthey will lie in a flattened position as shown in FIG. 2A when deflatedand will assume a round or oval shape when inflated. One end 7 of eachtube is sealed and the other end one is connected to an individualpneumatic flow control means such as a valve 3. These flow control means3 may be manually operated or solenoid-controlled valves, as shown inFIG. 3. Also, a fluidic amplifier or diode may be installed in eachsupply line to selectively control the inflation and deflation of thetubes 1 and 2. The flow control devices 3 are, in turn, connected. toair-distributing means or headers 4 and 5, which, are in turn, connectedto a source of pneumatic pressure 6, such as an air compressor.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2D, various selected positions orcross-sectional dimensions may be obtained by selectively inflating anddeflating the proper tubes. By selectively operating the fluid flowcontrol means 3, both of the tubes at a particular intersection may bedeflated to obtain a first cross-sectional dimension A, as seen in FIG.2A. By selectively inflating one of the tubes while maintaining theother tube in its deflated state, a second, or intermediatecross-sectional dimension B may be obtained. This position is shown inFIGS. 2B and 2C. In FIG. 28, lower tube 2 is inflated while upper tube 1is maintained in its deflated state, thus attaining the intermediatedimension B, while in FIG. 2C the lower tube 2 is deflated, while theupper tube 1 is inflated. FIG. 2D shows the third, or greatest dimensionC which may be obtained by infl'ating both of the intersecting tubes 1and 2. Thus, it may be seen that three separate control positionsdetermined by the cross-sectional dimensions may be obtained byselective inflationand deflation of the proper tubes. These controlpositions may be obtained at each of the intersections 8 of the tubes 1and2, shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a typical control valve which may be used tocontrol the inflation and deflation of tubes 1 and 2. Control valve 3utilizes a valve body 10, which has a bore 14 therethrough. One end ofbore 14 is in communication with a pressurized conduit 13, while theother end of bore 14 is open to the atmosphere, as at 16. Pressurizedconduit 13 is connected to the source of fluid pressure 6, shown in FIG.1 byway of the air-distributing headers 4 and 5. A connecting port 15 ispositioned on valve body 10 in communication with bore 14 for connectingan inflated tube 1 or 2 with the valve control means 3. A valve disk 12controlled by valve stem 11 extending out of the open end of bore 14,ispositioned'within bore. 14 for controlling the flow of pneumaticpressure to tubes 1 m2. The valve disk 12 is constructed in such amanner that, upon depressing-stem 11, by an electric solenoid 11a, by

manual means or other actuating means well known to one skilled in theart, the flow of pneumatic pressure from conduit 13 is shut off fromtubes 1 or 2, and the tube is vented to the atmosphere The applicationand operation of the present invention as used in a pneumaticallyoperated pipe organ will now be described. As shown in FIG. 4A, theorgan utilizes a sealed housing 31 having a pneumatic chamber 32therein. Pneumatic chamber 32 is connected to a source of pneumaticpressure (not shown) by a conduit 35. A plurality of ports or openings34 are on the top of housing 31 and each opening 34 communicates with apipe 34a of the pipe organ in a conventional manner known to one skilledin the art. Each intersection of the tubes 1 and 2 is positioned withinchamber 32 below an opening or port 34. The tubes 1 and 2 are held inposition by a stationary or rigid support member 33, secured to housing31 by any suitable means.

Chamber 32 is normally pressurized at a given pneumatic pressure bymeans of a pressure source connected to port 35. Flexible pneumatictubes 1 and 2 are pressurized by a pneumatic pressure that is higherthan the pressure delivered to chamber 32, thus causing opening 34 to besealed due to the dicates a typical cross section of an air chest in apneumatiexpansion or ballooning of pneumatic tubes 1 and/or 2. When tube1 is collapsed, as shown in FIG. 48, due to actuation of the particularvalve controlling this tube 1, the other tube 2 will expand further tofill the void caused by the collapse of tube 1 thereby maintaining port34 closed. By means of a fluidic diode or other fluid control deviceknown in the art, the exhaust of tube 1 can be controlled at a slowerrate than the inrushing pneumatic pressure to tube 2, thus assuringcontinuity of the seal closing opening 34. FIG. 4C illustrates theresults of the same operation with tube 2 deflated and tube 1 inflateddue to the operation of particular valves in the crossbar assembly. FIG.4D illustrates the manner in which a particular pipe of an organ isplayed by'allowing the escape of pneumatic pressure from chamber 32through port or opening 34. This is accomplished by actuating theindividual valves in such a manner as to collapse both of the tubes 1and 2 at a particular intersection 8 to allow the tubes to move awayfrom the sealing surface of port 34. This can be accomplished byprogramming an AND condition in a fluidic diode circuit or similardevice.

In order to accomplish the operation shown in FIG. 4D, it is necessaryto attach tubes 1 and 2 to the rigid support 33. If the tubes areunattached, the condition shown in FIG. 4B might result, wherein tube 1or both of the tubes 1 and 2 will be forced against the sealing surfaceof port 34, due to the pressure differential between the atmosphere andthe chamber 32.

Several different means for securing tubes 1 and 2 to the rigid support33 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIG. 5, a flat spring 36 is attachedto the top wall of housing 31 and is biased in a downward direction witha force greater than the pressure differential exerted on the area ofport 34 created by the difference between the pressure in chamber 32 andthe atmosphere. Spring 36 has an opening that is sufficiently large toprevent contact between the spring and the valve seat at the port 34.

FIG. 6 illustrates another means for retaining the flexible pneumatictubes 1 and 2 against the rigid support member 33. In FIG. 6, rigidsupport member 33 is constructed from a metal stamping or punching,having ears 37 which are crimped over the edges of the tubes 1 and 2 insuch a manner as to hold the tubes 1 and 2 against the rigid supportmember 33. The rigid support member 33 may be attached to the sealedhousing in any manner that is well known to those skilled in the art.The tubing may be of the type which automatically reverts to theflattened condition upon the absence of pressure therein.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate additional embodiments of valve means which maybe used in conjunction with the intersections of inflatable pneumatictubes 1 and 2 to seal ports or openings 34 and which may be readilyapplied to pneumatically operated organs. In FIG. 7, reference numeral40 incally operated organ. The pipes (not shown) of an organ arepositioned over openings 42 in the top board 41 of the air chest 40. Aninsert 43 is positioned at each opening 42 within the pneumatic chamberof the chest 40. The insert 43, which may be constructed of plastic,metal, or any other compatible material, has a pluralityof openings 44located around the periphery of a downwardlyextending projection or lip50. The superimposed tubes 1 and 2 are positioned between the downwardlyextending lip or projection 50 ofinsert 43 and the rigid support member33 in such a manner as to retain the tubes 1 and 2 in the open valveposition when deflated. The inflation of tubes 1 and/or 2 over thenormal pressure in the chest 40 will cause a ballooning effect so as topositively seat the upper tube 1 against a seat 45 of the insert 43,thereby preventing air from escaping from the chest 40. In addition, theballooning 46 of the tubes 1 and 2 outside of insert 43 assures thecontinuity of air pressure being delivered to other valves on the samelongitudinal axis of the tubes. As discussed previously, the retainingmeans shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may also be incorporated into the valveseat structure of an organ chest illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the subject invention asapplied to an organ chest of a pneumatically operated organ, wherein theair pressure in the flexible inflatable tubes 1 and 2 does not have toexceed the pneumatic pressure in chamber 32. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 8, a valve disc 47, constructed of leather or other pliablematerial on the top surface thereof and having a piece of rigid materialon the bottom side in engagement with tube 1, is used in conjunctionwith a valve seat insert 48 positioned at each opening 42. The

valve disc assembly 47 may be cemented to the upper tube 1 and has atotal area that is greater than the area represented by the valve seatinsert 48. In operation, on exhausting or deflating of both tubes 1 and2, the pressure on the area of valve disc 47 will overcome the closingpressure created by the area indicated by the insert 48, thereby causingthe valve to open and allow pneumatic pressure in chamber 32 to escapethrough opening 42 and actuate a particular pipe of the organ. Anupwardly biasing flat leaf spring 49 is used to assist the inflatingpressure in tubes 1 and 2 to return valve disc 47 against valve seat 48to block the flow of pneumatic pressure therethrough.

It is possible to control the operation of the flexible pneumatic tubesof the subject invention without the use of an air supply and a controlvalve, as described previously. As illustrated in FIG. 9a, tube 60 issealed at both ends while in a partially inflated state, or condition.Upon application of pressure at one end, as for example by a roller 62flattening one end of the tube, the remaining portion of the tube shownat 61 will expand. The source of pressure applying the roller or otherdevice may be either manual or power assisted. Depending on how much ofthe tube 60 is flattened the expansion at 61 will vary to provide aplurality of control conditions. Such a tube structure may be utilizedto operate valves, switches, and other devices requiring a mechanicalmovement as described previously.

FIG. 10 shows another example of a use for the present invention whereina multiposition electrical switch 20 is actuated by the pneumatic tubes1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 10, contact-actuating leaf spring 22 may bebiased downwardly causing the circuit between lower contact arm 21 anddownwardly biased contact leaf spring 22 to be normally closed. Thiswould correspond to vertical dimension A as shown in FIG. 2A. Uponinflation of either of the intersecting tubes 1 or 2, as shown in FIGS.28 and 2C, an intermediate dimension B would be attained. Under suchconditions an open circuit would be provided since contact leaf 22 wouldnot contact either lower contact arm 21 or upper contact arm 23. Uponinflation of both of the tubes 1 and 2, the third dimension C would beattained, as seen in FIG. 2D, thus causing downwardly biased actuatingcontact leaf spring 22 to be moved further upwardly into contact withupper contact arm 23, completing the circuit therebetween. It would beobvious to one skilled in the art to adapt various other types ofswitches'and devices requiring selective multiple positioned actuationto be controlled or actuated by thesubject invention.

There may be many obvious modifications of the abovedescribed invention,which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and theabove-described embodiments are used for illustrative purposes only. Thevalve disc 47 as shown in FIG. 8 may be round, square or rectangularhThevalve seat 48 can have a grille network or grating included therein soas to prevent excessive ballooning of a tube into the opening 42, whichmight occur when utilizing larger openings and higher pressures in thesystem. In addition, fluids other than air can also be utilized in thepresent system.

Although the preferred embodiment of the subject invention is disclosedas applied to the environment of pneumatically operated organs, thisdoes not preclude the use of the subject invention in other areasrequiring the use of flexible inflatable pneumatic tubes or the use of amatrix-type control system. Such additional areas may be in the fieldsof physical therapy and exercising, requiring the application ofpressure to specific points on a human body. Other applications of theinvention may include the use of the matrix control system in machinetool programming or process control as well as in signalling devices,conveyor controls, and other areas.

What I claim is:

l. A pneumatic crossbar device comprising a plurality of inflatableflexible tubes, each tube being sealed at one end thereof, said tubesbeing arranged in two adjacent parallel planes with the tubes in eachplane being disposed parallel to each other and at right angles to thetubes of the other plane, fluid pressure source means and a plurality ofindividual fluid control means fluidically connecting the other end ofeach of said tubes with said fluid pressure source means for selectivelycontrolling inflation and deflation of each of said tubes to providespecific inflation characteristics at selected crossover points.

2. A pneumatic crossbar device as claimed in claim 1, further comprisinga plurality of multiposition switch means positioned at theintersections of said tubes for actuation upon inflation of said tubes,a first position of said switch means being obtained when both of saidtubes at an intersection are deflated, a second position of said switchmeans being obtained when one of said tubes is inflated and the other ofsaid tubes at an intersection is deflated, and a third position of saidswitch being obtained when both of said tubes at an intersection areinflated; the inflation and deflation of said tubes being controlled bysaid individual fluid control means connected thereto.

3. A pneumatic crossbar device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each ofsaid individual fluid control means comprises a valve body having afirst passage therein, one end of said first passage being connected tosaid fluid pressure source means and the other end of said first passagebeing open to the atmosphere, a second passage intersecting said fluidpassage in said valve body, said second passage being in fluidcommunication with one of said tubes, a valve disc located in said firstpassage and being connected to a valve stem extending beyond said valvebody for selective engagement with said valve body on opposite sides ofsaid second passage for selectively connecting said second passage withsaid fluid pressure source means for inflation of said tube and withsaid opening exposed to the atmosphere for deflating said tubes.

4. A pneumatic crossbar device as set forth in claim 3, wherein saidvalve stem is operatively connected to electromagnetic actuating means.

5. A pneumatic crossbar device as set forth in claim 3, wherein saidvalve stem is arranged for manual operation.

6. A pneumatic crossbar device for controlling the flow of air to thepipes of a pneumatically operated organ of the type having a pressurizedchamber, said crossbar device comprising a plurality of flexibleinflatable tubes located within said pressurized chamber of an organ,said flexible tubes being positioned in two adjacent, parallel planeswith the tubes located in each plane being disposed parallel to oneanother and at right angles to the tubes of the other plane, theintersections of said tubes being located adjacent to and spaced fromopenings in said pressurized chamber, a plurality of organ pipes beingpositioned above the openings in said chamber for actuation by airpressure delivered through said openings, a support means positionedbelow said intersections of said tubes to retain said tubes adjacentsaid openings, the spacing between said support means and said openingsbeing such that when both of said tubes at an intersection are deflated,communication is obtained between said chamber and the opening adjacentsaid intersection and when one of said tubes is inflated said opening isclosed by said tubes, each of said tubes having one end thereof sealedand the other end thereof fluidically connected to individual fluidcontrol means, actuating means for operating each of said valve means, apneumatic pressure source means connected to said pressurized chamberand with each of said valve means for supplying pneumatic pressure tosaid pressurized chamber and to said flexible inflatable tubes.

1. A pneumatic crossbar device comprising a plurality of inflatableflexible tubes, each tube being sealed at one end thereof, said tubesbeing arranged in two adjacent parallel planes with the tubes in eachplane being disposed parallel to each other and at right angles to thetubes of the other plane, fluid pressure source means and a plurality ofindividual fluid control means fluidicaLly connecting the other end ofeach of said tubes with said fluid pressure source means for selectivelycontrolling inflation and deflation of each of said tubes to providespecific inflation characteristics at selected crossover points.
 2. Apneumatic crossbar device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising aplurality of multiposition switch means positioned at the intersectionsof said tubes for actuation upon inflation of said tubes, a firstposition of said switch means being obtained when both of said tubes atan intersection are deflated, a second position of said switch meansbeing obtained when one of said tubes is inflated and the other of saidtubes at an intersection is deflated, and a third position of saidswitch being obtained when both of said tubes at an intersection areinflated; the inflation and deflation of said tubes being controlled bysaid individual fluid control means connected thereto.
 3. A pneumaticcrossbar device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said individualfluid control means comprises a valve body having a first passagetherein, one end of said first passage being connected to said fluidpressure source means and the other end of said first passage being opento the atmosphere, a second passage intersecting said fluid passage insaid valve body, said second passage being in fluid communication withone of said tubes, a valve disc located in said first passage and beingconnected to a valve stem extending beyond said valve body for selectiveengagement with said valve body on opposite sides of said second passagefor selectively connecting said second passage with said fluid pressuresource means for inflation of said tube and with said opening exposed tothe atmosphere for deflating said tubes.
 4. A pneumatic crossbar deviceas set forth in claim 3, wherein said valve stem is operativelyconnected to electromagnetic actuating means.
 5. A pneumatic crossbardevice as set forth in claim 3, wherein said valve stem is arranged formanual operation.
 6. A pneumatic crossbar device for controlling theflow of air to the pipes of a pneumatically operated organ of the typehaving a pressurized chamber, said crossbar device comprising aplurality of flexible inflatable tubes located within said pressurizedchamber of an organ, said flexible tubes being positioned in twoadjacent, parallel planes with the tubes located in each plane beingdisposed parallel to one another and at right angles to the tubes of theother plane, the intersections of said tubes being located adjacent toand spaced from openings in said pressurized chamber, a plurality oforgan pipes being positioned above the openings in said chamber foractuation by air pressure delivered through said openings, a supportmeans positioned below said intersections of said tubes to retain saidtubes adjacent said openings, the spacing between said support means andsaid openings being such that when both of said tubes at an intersectionare deflated, communication is obtained between said chamber and theopening adjacent said intersection and when one of said tubes isinflated said opening is closed by said tubes, each of said tubes havingone end thereof sealed and the other end thereof fluidically connectedto individual fluid control means, actuating means for operating each ofsaid valve means, a pneumatic pressure source means connected to saidpressurized chamber and with each of said valve means for supplyingpneumatic pressure to said pressurized chamber and to said flexibleinflatable tubes.